More InternationalNews

Poll

Campaigners in Chad have welcomed the arrest of Mahamat Djibrine, former President Hissene Habre's police chief.

Mr Djibrine is accused of torturing and killing hundreds of opposition activists in the 1980s.

It is not clear whether he will be tried in Chad or in Senegal, where Mr Habre is due to go on trial after being held under house arrest there since 2005.

Mr Djibrine has not yet commented on the allegations.

He was arrested on the basis of a lawsuit filed 13 years ago by victims of Mr Habre's government.

Earlier this month, Senegal and Chad signed a deal to allow special judges to carry out investigations in Chad for Mr Habre's trial on charges of crimes against humanity. Under this deal, Mr Habre's former top officials can be tried alongside him in Senegal.

Mr Habre denies killing and torturing tens of thousands of his opponents.

Mr Djibrine is the former head of the Directorate of Documentation and Security (DDS), Mr Habre's political police force.